The Social Style Model has been researched for over 40 years. Our team continually ensures the reliability and validity of the model and its measurement systems using established psychometric techniques. The Model is not stagnant, but rather undergoes ongoing refinement and enhancement. The Model has also been researched and developed for global applications.
Social Style Profiles measure behavioral style. But behavior, like all psychological phenomena, is different than things that can be easily and accurately measured in the physical world, such as weight and height. So how do we know that we are accurately measuring behavior? In order to make this claim, the instrument has to adhere to standards that have been set forth by the scientific community. In particular, research evidence should correspond to criteria set forth in the “Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing” (AERA, APA & NCME, 1999), which provides benchmarks for developing psychological measurement instruments. This evidence comes in two primary forms: reliability and validity.
Reliability determines whether an instrument measures in a way that is consistent and dependable. As an example, if I weigh myself on the same scale every day for a week and my weight is registered the same every day, then this scale is reliable. Validity determines whether an instrument measures accurately. In other words, does it measure what it proposes to measure? In the example above, if I stepped on the scale and it told me that I have brown eyes, it would not be a valid measure since it isn’t measuring my weight.

Note: Our team’s Social Style Profiles have been administered to more than 1.5 million people over the past three decades. Our team’s Social Style profiles are valid, reliable instruments. Our team continues its ongoing research, updating validation on the instruments every six months.